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Emerald Kaia: A First Step into the Sea
On November 10, 2025, the Emerald Kaia made a significant entrance into the waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. This ceremonial launch marks Emerald Cruises & Tours' commitment to luxury yacht-style cruising, a rising trend propelling them into new markets across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Seychelles. As noted by Glen Moroney, chairman of Scenic Group, the float out signals an ambitious expansion for Emerald Cruises, designed thoughtfully to create unique experiences for up to 128 guests.
Exploring the Mediterranean with the Emerald Kaia
The inaugural voyage of the Emerald Kaia is set for April 2026, taking guests through the historical landscapes of Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. Following this, she will cruise into the summer season exploring the stunning coastlines of Italy, Montenegro, Albania, and Croatia, eventually repositioning through the Red Sea to the Seychelles from December 2026 to March 2027. Each destination has been strategically selected to meet the growing demand for exclusive cruising experiences.
The Emergence of Emerald Raiya: What's Next?
While the Emerald Kaia prepares for her first journey, Emerald Cruises has also laid the foundation for another luxury yacht, the Emerald Raiya. The keel-laying ceremony held on the same date as the float-out signifies another step in their fleet expansion. Scheduled to launch in June 2027, the Emerald Raiya will also focus on the Eastern Mediterranean and Seychelles, further solidifying Emerald's presence in these lucrative cruising markets.
Unique Features Designed for Guests
Both Emerald Kaia and Emerald Raiya promise exceptional luxury beyond traditional cruising. Guests can expect an expanded sky deck, enhanced observation sun decks with indoor/outdoor bars, private cabanas, and spacious accommodations with Owner’s Suites featuring private terraces and spa pools. Dining experiences have also been customized, featuring venues like the Aqua Pool Café and new private dining options such as the Night Market Grill.
Emerald Cruises: Anticipating the Demand for Yacht-Style Cruising
The growing popularity of yacht-style cruising has been echoed by Angus Crichton, director of sales at Emerald Cruises and Tours. He expressed excitement regarding the upscale demand overall, noting that the expansion will offer not just more vessels, but inspiring new destinations for their affluent clientele. As they continue to grow their luxury fleet, the company aims to cater to a diversifying group of travelers seeking exclusive and immersive travel experiences.
Rounding Off the Brands: A Bigger Fleet
The introduction of Emerald Kaia and Emerald Raiya follows on from the recent announcement of the Emerald Xara, which will join the fleet in April 2028. This burgeoning fleet reflects not only Emerald's commitment to expanding its cruise offerings but also highlights the increasing opportunities in both the river cruising and yacht cruising markets.
Final Thoughts: Why This Expansion Matters
As the cruise industry evolves, the move towards luxury yacht-style offerings seems poised to redefine the travel landscape. With its dual commitment toward innovation and guest experience, Emerald Cruises aims to meet the changing desires of modern travelers and set the stage for unforgettable journeys. For those considering a future trip, this could be an opportunity to explore not just new destinations, but a new style of travel altogether.
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